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Even though flying with breast milk might seem tricky, it really isn't. If you are traveling with your baby or need to pump while you’re out, here’s how to fly with breast milk. A bit of preparation makes sure you can travel comfortably and still feed your baby as scheduled.
Can you bring breast milk on a plane?
Yes, it’s possible to take more breast milk through security checkpoints than the usual limit for liquids. According to the TSA, breast milk, formula, and juice for babies or toddlers can be brought through security checkpoints in amounts that are reasonable. You can still bring breast milk even if your baby isn’t with you.
Most liquids must meet the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, but breast milk does not need to be packed this way. Larger containers and coolers, or insulated bags, are fine for carrying your breast milk. You must tell the security officer that you are carrying breast milk, and there might be additional screening.
What are the TSA Regulations for Flying with Breast Milk?
The TSA has special regulations in place to allow you to carry breast milk safely and quickly. These are the main things to remember:
These are the key TSA rules for traveling with breast milk:
- Exemption from Liquid Limits: Breast milk does not have to fit within the 3.4-ounce container rule. There is no limit to how much breast milk you can carry per container.
- Declare It: Remember to tell the TSA officer at the checkpoint that you have breast milk.
- Separate Screening: Take breast milk together with any cold packs out of your carry-on for a different screening process.
- TSA Will Not Open Bottles: Breast milk containers may be tested for explosives without being opened, but TSA will only open them if you say it’s okay.
- Breast Milk Can Be Taken Without a Child: Did you know that you’re able to carry breast milk, even when your baby is not there?
- TSA Allows Frozen, Partially Frozen, and Slushy Milk. Bringing liquid breast milk that is cold or even slushy is fine with the TSA, because they call it a solid or semi-solid.
How to Fly with Breast Milk
Getting breast milk through a flight is easiest with good planning, clear communication, and the right storage materials. Below is a guide to what to do at each point during your journey.
Before You Leave
- Choose the Right Storage Method
- Breast Milk Bags: Compact and lightweight. Make sure they’re double-sealed.
- Bottles: Leak-proof bottles are practical, but they are bigger and heavier than breast milk bags.
- Coolers or Insulated Bags: Pick a cooling bag or chest that is made with breast milk transport in mind.
- Pack Cooling Materials:
- Breast milk stays cold if you use ice packs, gel packs, or dry ice. The Transportation Security Administration allows all these cooling materials, yet they should be solid and not liquefied.
- When traveling with frozen milk, using dry ice is an option, but double-check airline rules because most have limits and keep in mind that the dry ice must be identified.
- Label and Organize:
- Put the date on every bag before you pack it.
- Keep your containers or bags for milk leak-proof and put them in a waterproof liner in your cooler for safety.
- Call Your Airline:
- Some carriers have a refrigeration area or have their own rules about coolers and dry ice. Make sure to find out the airline's rules in advance and tell them at check-in.
- Plan for Pumping:
- When traveling and you’ll be pumping, it's important to:
- You should carry your breast pump on board, because it’s a medical device and doesn’t require extra bag space.
- Bring wipes, breast pads, and some spare storage bags is helpful.
- It’s convenient to have a battery-operated or manual pump.
At the Airport
- At Security Checkpoint:
- Let TSA officers know you are carrying breast milk, and keep it apart from your other things in your carry-on.
- Know that extra screening for your breast milk and cooling items might involve TSA swabbing outside of the containers or testing gel packs.
- Try to stay patient and nice—the majority of agents have handled this before, but not everyone has.
- Know Your Rights:
- Should you feel uncomfortable with the method the TSA officer suggests, it’s best to ask for a higher-ranking officer or pick another screening choice.
- TSA is not allowed to make you try your milk or open your containers.
- Finding a Place to Pump:
- There are lactation pods or nursing rooms available in many airports these days.
- Download Mamava or look for information on the airport website to find private spaces.
- Should you need help, the crew can show you where to pump in private.
How Do You Keep Breast Milk Frozen While Traveling?
Staying frozen with your breast milk is possible on flights, as long as you use the right products. Try these tips to make sure your breast milk stays frozen on your journey.
- Use a High-Quality Cooler: Select a cooler that has enough insulation and fits tightly—hard-sided coolers often keep things colder for longer trips. Momcozy’s Portable Breast Milk Cooler for Outdoor (22oz)is perfect for keeping your breast milk safe while you travel. Thanks to its small size, easy portability, and vacuum insulation, it can preserve a steady temperature for a long time, making it great for carrying chilled or frozen milk when you travel.
432,99 zł PLN
- Pack It Full: When your cooler is filled up, it keeps your milk colder. If there’s still room after the milk, freeze water bottles and put them in the cooler.
- Use Dry Ice if You're Going on a Long Trip or Have Checked Bags. Milk will stay frozen for up to 24 hours if you use dry ice. Bringing dry ice is allowed by TSA and most airlines, but it usually must not weigh more than 5.5 pounds and must be labeled.
- Dry ice can burn your skin, so always use gloves when you handle it.
- Use a Portable Milk Warmer for Convenience: If you need to warm your milk once you arrive, or even during layovers, having a reliable travel warmer is key. The Momcozy Superfast Portable Breast Milk & Water Warmer is a great solution. It’s compact, heats quickly, and works without the need for a bulky bottle warmer, making it perfect for hotel stays or airport use.
Mleko Matki & Woda Szybkie Podgrzewanie Długa Bateria
Is Shipping Breast Milk Possible?
Yes, it's possible to ship breast milk, whether you are sending it across town or around the world, provided you take the right steps and use the correct shipping service. For parents traveling without their child or needing to be away from home for work, this service comes in handy.
Can You Bring a Breast Pump on an Airplane?
You are allowed to bring a breast pump on an airplane, and there is no limit to how many carry-ons you can bring. By TSA guidelines, a breast pump is classified as a medical device in the same way as a CPAP machine or oxygen monitor.
Tips for Breastfeeding and Pumping
Traveling with a baby? These suggestions will help you breastfeed and pump more easily.
At the Airport.
- Tell the TSA officers that you are carrying breast milk and a pump. Be respectful and confident when explaining your rights to the officers.
- Make sure your electric pump battery is full before you leave for the airport. If you only have an electric pump, pack a manual one in case the battery dies.
- Use small bottles of soap, wipes to sanitize, and microwave bags to sterilize your breast pump parts. Some airports provide family restrooms with sinks, but you should plan just in case you need to wash pump supplies in a different stall.
During flying
- While traveling long distances by plane, pump or nurse as usual to prevent engorgement and low supply from happening.
- Stay Hydrated & Eat Well: Flying or traveling can make you lose fluids and hurt your milk supply. Have lots of water and healthy snacks with you to keep up your energy and breast milk supply.
- Take a nursing cover if you would like more privacy while breastfeeding. Should you want some privacy while breastfeeding, just take a light nursing cover or shawl with you. A lot of airlines are fine with breastfeeding while you’re on the plane.
FAQ
Can you fly with breast milk without a baby?
Yes, you are able to travel with breast milk even if your baby is not traveling with you. According to the TSA, parents and guardians are allowed to have breast milk on board in adequate quantities, even when the child isn’t there. This is especially useful for women traveling by themselves or for their jobs.
What is the 4 4 4 rule for breast milk?
Breast milk can be left at normal room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C) for up to 4 hours. 4 days in the refrigerator You may store breast milk in the refrigerator for 4 days, but it will last 6 months at a deeper freeze.
Is it better to check breast milk or carry-on?
It’s best to have breast milk in your carry-on bag when flying, whenever that’s possible.
Here’s why:
- Temperature Control: You are able to watch the temperature and keep ice packs or insulation steady in the cabin, not in checked baggage.
- Security and Safety: When you put your breast milk in checked bags, there's a greater chance it will be delayed, go missing, or get too hot or cold, and that can make the milk unusable.
- TSA Accessibility: It’s simpler to declare, inspect, and get milk through TSA checkpoints when it’s in your carry-on.
Conclusion
Flying with breast milk can be worrisome at first, but good preparation allows for an easy trip. Every step, whether it’s using a proper cooler or finding a nice place to pump, has solutions to help you. Remember: You’re able to feed and care for your baby, or pump milk for them, more easily when you know what your rights are, choose good travel products, and stay organized.
